A North Carolina TikTok influencer at the center of a highly publicized civil lawsuit is facing new financial obligations after being found liable for breaking up a marriage in a rare “alienation of affection” case.
Brenay Kennard, a social media personality with more than 3 million followers, has been ordered by a judge to pay $40,000 as she appeals a previous $1.75 million judgment awarded to Akira Montague, the ex-wife of Kennard’s current husband.
Background of the Case
The legal battle began in 2024 when Montague filed a lawsuit accusing Kennard of engaging in a relationship with her then-husband, Timothy Montague, ultimately contributing to the collapse of their marriage.
In November 2025, a jury sided with Montague, awarding her $1.5 million for alienation of affection and an additional $250,000 for “criminal conversation,” a legal term referring to adultery.
These types of claims are uncommon and are only recognized in a handful of states, including North Carolina.
New Court Ruling
During a March 2026 hearing in Durham County, Kennard’s legal team requested that the required appeal bond be set at $10,000. However, Montague’s attorney argued for a higher amount. The judge ultimately ruled that Kennard must pay $40,000 while the appeal process continues.
The court determined that Kennard’s financial situation had not significantly declined despite her claims that the lawsuit damaged her reputation and reduced her income opportunities.
Claims and Controversy
Montague alleged that Kennard publicly flaunted her relationship with Timothy on social media while he was still married, sometimes without her knowledge or consent.
The case drew national attention not only because of Kennard’s online following, but also due to the role social media played as evidence in court.
Kennard, for her part, has maintained that the marriage was already failing before her involvement and has criticized the verdict as unfair.
What’s Next
Kennard’s appeal is ongoing, and the final outcome of the case could determine whether the multimillion-dollar judgment will stand. For now, the $40,000 payment serves as a financial guarantee while the legal process moves forward.
The case continues to spark debate around “alienation of affection” laws and the influence of social media in modern legal disputes.
